Diane Kay Vetch
Diane Kay Vetch, 63, of Warner, SD, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family at her home on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
Diane Kay Kjenstad was born on September 25, 1962, to Tilman and Shirley (Bendt) Kjenstad in Clear Lake, SD. Diane grew up on the family farm near Brandt, SD. She graduated from Clear Lake, SD, in 1980. After high school, she attended Pipestone Area Vocational-Technical Institute in Pipestone, MN, graduating with a degree in fashion merchandising. In Diane’s first week in Pipestone, she met her future husband, Paul Vetch Jr. Diane married Paul in her hometown church in Brandt, SD, on April 17, 1982. Their marriage blessed them with three children, Jami, Jessica, and Paul III.
After their wedding, they briefly lived in Miller, SD. The couple then moved to Grand Forks, ND. While in Grand Forks, Diane was the assistant manager for Spencer Gifts. In 1983, Diane traveled back to Miller for Paul’s career. Diane took this opportunity to relax at home as she was soon to be a first-time mom in December. In April of 1984, Diane and her family moved to Aberdeen as Paul began his career with Ken’s Fairway. While living in Aberdeen, Diane worked at the Brown County Courthouse. In 1985, they moved to Ipswich, SD, and Diane’s passion for children led her to open a Daycare. During their time in Ipswich, Diane and Paul welcomed their other two children. In 1989, Diane and Paul built a house in Warner. Diane also moved her Daycare with her. She was so fortunate throughout her time as a Daycare provider, as she was also able to care for her own children. Diane was also blessed to be able to have all five of her grandchildren to be part of her Daycare. Diane loved each and every child she cared for as if they were her own. She continued Vetch’s Daycare until her illness began.
Diane had many interests. She loved attending all of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities, including concerts, plays, dance recitals, games, and track meets. She loved hanging out with her family. She was always ready for the next camping trip near or far. Diane taught her children and grandchildren how to be excellent shoppers. She was always ready to jump in and head out for some retail therapy. Since she loved her family so much, entertaining at their house was always a priority. Birthday parties, holidays, and football Sundays were filled with food, people, and laughter. She found joy in the beauty of the flowers and landscaping she shared with Paul.
Diane and Paul loved traveling. They were fortunate to take many trips, including Brazil, Hawaii, the Dominican Republic, and Las Vegas, to name a few. She was a big fan of 70s- 80s concerts. Her favorite band was Foreigner, and she was able to attend nine of their concerts across five different states. She was able to take lots of trips with her kids and grandkids as well. Two of her favorite trips were the two trips they took to Walt Disney World. She had so much fun watching her grandkids light up with excitement while they were there.
Grateful for having shared Diane’s life are her Husband Paul Jr.; her Children, Jami (Cole) Heinrich of Warner, Jessica (Sean) Colleran of Aberdeen, and Paul III of Warner; her five Grandchildren, Addisyn, Leah, and Chase Heinrich, and Natalie and Lexi Colleran; Her five brothers, Gary (Jeanie) Kjenstad, Terry (Pam) Kjenstad, Mike (Amy) Kjenstad, Neal (Sheila) Kjenstad, and Jerry (Amy) Kjenstad; and many other relatives and friends.
Diane is preceded in death by her parents, Tilman and Shirley Kjenstad, and her great-nephew, Conroy Miller.